Park Chan-wook Presides Over 2026 Cannes Film Festival Jury

Park Chan-wook began his duties as president of the jury at the 79th Cannes Film Festival during the opening ceremony on May 12, 2026. The director, known for films including Oldboy released in 2003, Lady Vengeance from 2005, Thirst in 2009, and Decision to Leave in 2022, has competed four times in the festival's main competition. He previously served on the jury in 2017.

Park Chan-wook said he intends to lead in a democratic manner. "I want to do as he did then, be a democratic president who listens to everyone and gives each person the chance to speak," he said, referring to the 2017 jury president. He added that he does not want the jury to select a film simply because it is the lowest common denominator.

"What I do not want is for us to choose a film simply because it is the lowest common denominator – not the best film, but the most consensual. " Park Chan-wook said. The jury is responsible for awarding the Palme d'Or and other top prizes at the festival, which runs for two weeks in May.

He is described as moving discreetly at the festival, speaking without raising his voice. On his wrist he wears a watch showing both the time in Korea and the local time.

Park Chan-wook is scheduled to direct his 13th feature film, titled The Brigands of Rattlecreek, in the United States. The cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal. The jury's decisions are expected at the festival's closing ceremony.